Indonesia’s Culture Minister Fadli Zon is urging the nation’s museums to modernize their approach to engaging younger audiences, particularly Generation Z. The Minister emphasized the importance of digitizing collections and enhancing storytelling techniques to connect with this demographic.
Modernizing Museums for a Latest Generation
During a visit to the Radya Pustaka Museum in Surakarta, Central Java, on Friday, Minister Zon stated that “strengthening storytelling and digital elements is essential for museums to connect with the younger generation, especially Gen Z.” The Radya Pustaka Museum, founded in 1890, is one of Indonesia’s oldest and holds a significant collection of cultural treasures.
Minister Zon stressed that improvements to exhibition layouts, narrative flow, and digital adaptation are vital for maintaining relevance. He envisions museums evolving beyond simply being repositories of the past, and instead becoming dynamic spaces for learning about the present and shaping the future.
The call for modernization comes as Indonesia continues to invest in its cultural infrastructure. Currently, the country has 516 registered and standardized museums. In 2025 alone, the government inaugurated 15 new museums and revitalized 152 cultural heritage sites and museums.
Minister Zon encouraged museums to strengthen the presentation of their collections to appeal to a wider audience, while continuing to showcase national culture and promote awareness of Indonesia’s identity and history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific changes is the Minister suggesting for museums?
The Minister is suggesting improvements to exhibition layout, narrative flow, and digital adaptation, as well as strengthening storytelling techniques.
How many museums are currently registered in Indonesia?
There are currently 516 registered and standardized museums in Indonesia.
What was the extent of museum-related government activity in 2025?
In 2025, the government inaugurated 15 new museums and revitalized 152 cultural heritage sites and museums.
As museums across Indonesia consider these recommendations, it remains to be seen how quickly and effectively they will adapt to meet the evolving needs and expectations of younger generations. Will these changes lead to increased engagement with cultural heritage among Gen Z?
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